Materialien zur Sportpädagogik

Resolution des Weltgipfels zum Schulsport

The Berlin Agenda for Action for Government Mininsters

Berlin, 3. - 5.11.1999

The World Summit on Physical Education reinforces the importance of Physical Education as a life-long process. It is particularly important for every child as articulated in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. All children have a right to: (1) the highest level of health; (2) free and compulsory primary education for both cognitive and physical development; (3) rest and leisure; and (4) play.

The Berlin Agenda calls for Action by Governments and Ministries responsible for Education and Sport to:

- implement policies for Physical Education as a human right for all children;

- recognise the distinctive role of Physical Education in physical health, overall development and safe, supportive communities;

- recognise that quality Physical Education depends on well qualified educators and curriculum time, which are possible to provide even where other resources like equipment are in short supply;

- invest in initial and in-service professional training and development for educators;

- recognise that failure to provide Physical Education costs more in health care than the investment needed for Physi- cal Education;

- support research to improve the effectiveness and quality of Physical Education;

- work with international financial institutions to ensure Physical Education is part of the Definition of education.

Why take these actions? Quality Physical Education

- is the most effective and inclusive means of providing all children, whatever their ability/disability, sex, age, cultural, race/ethnicity, religious or social background, with the skills, attitudes, values, knowledge and understanding for life long participation in physical activity and sport;

- helps to ensure integrated and rounded development of mind, body and spirit;

- is the only school subject whose primary focus is on the body, physical activity, physical development and health;

- helps children to develop the patterns of and interest in physical activity, which are essential for healthy development and which lay the foundations for adult healthy lifestyles;

- helps children to develop respect for the body - both their own and other's;

- develops understanding of the role of physical activity in promoting health;

- contributes to children's confidence and self esteem;

- enhances social development by preparing children to cope with competition, winning and losing; and co-opera- tion and collaboration;

- provides the skills and knowiedge for future work in sport, physical activity, recreation and leisure, a growing area of employment.